Zalando poaches circularity director from H&M

German fashion e-tailer Zalando has announced the appointment of Laura Coppen as its circularity director. For nearly five years, Coppen has been one of the main forces in developing the H&M group's sustainability and circularity strategy. With the appointment, Zalando is upscaling its recently heralded ambitions in the area, and intends to push its partner labels towards greater transparency.

Coppen was involved in the development of the H&M group’s Creative Lab, aimed at boosting the sustainability content of the group’s creative process. She was in charge of H&M’s Creative Lab and worked as sustainable innovation research manager from February 2016 to May 2017, before being appointed team lead for circular business development, a post she held until the end of November. Coppen worked at H&M between 2014 and 2016 as head of knit innovation, after stints at Li&Fung subsidiary LF Distribution and at design studio Out of Xile.

Her appointment follows the publication of Zalando's first diversity and inclusivity report in mid-November, and the launch of the e-tailer’s Greenhouse digital showroom, showcasing eco-responsible labels and designers. A few days ago, Zalando presented the results of its first CSR audit, which the e-tailer carried out with over 250 partner brands. It also published on its website the full list of its proprietary labels’ level 1 suppliers.

In 2019, the Zalando group generated a business volume of €8.2 billion, equivalent to a 23.6% increase. The group’s own revenue grew by 20.3% to €6.4 billion, driven chiefly by the performance in the regions outside the DACH zone (Germany, Austria and Switzerland). In H1 2020, Zalando reported a 25% increase in its sales volume, and forecast a rise in its direct revenue between 15% and 20% for the full financial year.

Zalando poaches circularity director from H&M

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